THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY: PLAYING THE ODDS - INSIDE: 10
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JUNE 2021
THE BATTLE
OF MIDWAY:
PLAYING
THE ODDS
INSIDE:
10 On & Off Capitol Hill
28 The Bedford Boys
47 Career Change
Checklist
Contents
June 2021 Volume 100 Number 6
Cover: Crewmen of the USS SAN JUAN (CL-54) at general quarters while the ship was at sea in 1942. View looks aft from the after
superstructure. Note the flash-protection clothing worn by the men, 1.1-inch quadruple anti-aircraft machine gun mounted in the left center,
5-inch/38 caliber guns beyond and the depth charges on K-gun throwers by the main deck’s edge. Above: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz inspects
Midway Atoll after the victorious Battle of Midway in June 1942. He also presented awards to Marine Corps and Navy personnel, June 1942.
Photos courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
Features
20
The Battle of Midway: Playing the Odds
Fit for the task of commanding the American Pacific Fleet, Adm. Chester W.
Nimitz understood the stark and unsettling differences between his Japanese
enemy’s military capabilities and those of his own forces.
28 The Bedford Boys
On the face of it, the country town of Bedford, Virginia seems to be an odd
choice for the location of the National D-Day Memorial — that is, until you
know the story behind the reason for its placement there.
Departments
LOYALTY,
PROTECTION 2 Communications 40 Taps
AND SERVICE
4 From the Fantail 43 Looking For/Reunions
The FRA is a
congressionally
6 Shipmate Forum 44 Auxiliary of the FRA News
chartered, nonprofit 10 On & Off Capitol Hill A Message from LA FRA National
organization President Jackie Scarbro
advocating on
Legislative Updates
47 Finance Matters
Capitol Hill for 37 Membership Matters Career Change Checklist: Are You
current and former
enlisted members 38 Shipmate News Prepared?
of the U.S. Navy,
Marine Corps and
Coast Guard.
FRAtoday /// June 2021 1
COMMUNICATIONS
National Officers/Board Of Directors
June Is a Special Month National President
National Vice President
Michael “Mick” Fulton, Imperial Beach Branch 289
James W. Campbell, Chesapeake Branch 40
T
National Executive Dir. Christopher J. Slawinski, Navy Department Branch 181
his month has several days that have significant meaning Finance Officer Phillip Reid, MAL
Junior PNP Donna M. Jansky, North Shore Branch 31
to sea services veterans and active-duty service members. National Parliamentarian Robert G. Beese, Volusia County Branch 335
The anniversary of D-Day, on June 6, is always revered National Chaplain Paul R. Gunther, Triangle Branch 182
within the military as well as those who enjoy the freedom that
was earned by the Allied forces’ sweat and sacrifice on that day. Regional Presidents
Flag day, which is recognized this year on June 14, is the day Northeast/New England Abe Zino, Buffalo Branch 23
East Coast Brian J. Jones, Tom Vallee Branch 93
many Americans celebrate by displaying the Red, White and Southeast Donald R. Gibson, Mayport Branch 290
Blue in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates North Central Jerome P. Lickteig, Mo-Kan Branch 161
the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the South Central C. Ursula Gruetzner, Capital Area Branch 201
Southwest Rogelio “Roger” A. Bacud, San Gabriel Valley Branch 85
United States.
West Coast William L. Hanzel, Sunrise Branch 230
Then there is the birthday of the Navy Hospital Corps, which Northwest Danny L. Hunt, Gem State Branch 382
was established on June 17, 1898. When the Navy Hospital
Corps was founded, three ratings were created for the unit: Active Duty Advisory Council
hospital steward, hospital apprentice first class and hospital Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith
apprentice. This rating system was updated in 1916 to the now- Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason M. Vanderhaden
outdated “hospital mate” ranks and again in 1948 to the modern
corpsmen nomenclature we know today. Reserve Advisory Council
We also recognize the day North Korea invaded South Korea Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Christopher D. Kotz
on June 25, 1950. The conflict began when approximately 75,000 Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Reserve Patrick Kimble
soldiers from the Korean People’s Army poured across the 38th Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
Reserve George M. Williamson
parallel, the boundary between the Soviet-backed Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea FRAtoday Magazine
to the north and the pro- The monthly membership publication of the Fleet Reserve Association
Western Republic of Korea to Publisher Fleet Reserve Association
the south. National Executive Director Christopher J. Slawinski
Editor-in-Chief William D. Stevenson
There is also a very special Managing Editor Elise M. Howard
day, June 20, recognized as Contributing Writer Ann Norvell Gray
Father’s Day. There has never Design and Art Direction FRA Staff
Advertising Sales: GLM Communications, 212-929-1300
been much to compare with
Sales@glmcommunications.com
what being a father means to
me. I always thought that once FRAtoday (ISSN 1935-7192) is published monthly by the FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA.
22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s annual dues. Periodicals
My family from the mid-1990s. my children reached a certain postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and additional offices. Publication of nonsponsored
advertising in FRAtoday does not constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its
age, my role as a father would representatives. Postmaster: Send address changes to Member Services, FRA, 125
be done. That is just not the case! Once a parent, always a parent. N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. FRAtoday is published in the interests of all
current and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Eligible
I must admit, though, experiencing my children at this stage of nonmembers are entitled to subscription rates of $45. Established Nov. 1, 1923.
Title registered with the U.S. Patent Office.
their lives is even more amazing than watching their first steps, or
when they learned to feed themselves or dress themselves. FRA Administrative Headquarters
Watching my children experience their burgeoning careers 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754
Telephone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924
now that they have succeeded with their educations, sharing their Fax: 703-549-6610 • Email: FRAtoday@fra.org • www.fra.org
relationships with their girlfriends and spouses, and also being a Volume 100 Number 6
grandparent have all been so satisfying. I can hardly wait for the
next phase in all their lives. I would like to wish all of you a very Find us on Facebook:
happy Father’s Day — there is nothing that compares. FRA www.fra.org/fb
In Loyalty, Protection and Service, Follow us on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/FRAHQ
William D. Stevenson, Editor-in-Chief
Follow us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/FRA_HQ
2 FRAtoday /// June 2021
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FROM THE FANTAIL
The Northeast/New England Regional Meeting
I
had the pleasure of attending the
Northeast/New England Regional
Midyear Meeting this past April in
Peabody, Massachusetts. The nearly 10-hour
drive went a bit more easily, despite the
constant rain, because I was driving with
National Vice President James Campbell.
There were about 30 people who attended
the meeting, and several Shipmates joined
Chris Slawinski the event by Zoom. The great news is that
NED
a new LA FRA unit was instituted and
is aligned with Branch 31, Junior Past
National President Donna Jansky’s branch. (L to R) Cmdr. John Benda, FRA NP Mick Fulton, LA FRA NP Jackie Scarbro
and NVP Jim Campbell. Photo by Abe Zino.
One of the events that was set up by
Jansky was a private tour of the USS
CONSTITUTION, which is stationed
in the Boston Harbor in Charlestown,
Massachusetts. The commanding officer,
Cmdr. John Benda, and Senior Chief
Angie Collins hosted this event for
the LA FRA and FRA leadership and
members. It was one of the first tours since
the COVID-19 lockdown began, and our
members enjoyed learning about a sailor’s
life aboard the CONSTITUTION. The
ship is the oldest active commissioned
vessel of the U.S. Navy and is used for USS CONSTITUTION is tugged out to Fort Independence on Castle Island
ceremonies and training sailors how to during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Week. During the CPO selectees’ time
handle rigging, winds and all the nuances aboard “Old Ironsides,” sailors teach them a variety of time-honored
maritime traditions. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class
of sailing without the aid of an engine. In Casey Scoular.
fact, some of the sailors assigned to the
CONSTITUTION get their training on
the USCGC EAGLE before they come aboard and VA. I think that while they are still young, they need
perform turnaround cruises. to know someone is there to help them.
Following the tour of “Old Ironsides,” NP Mick The association is here to help all Shipmates, and
Fulton, NVP Jim Campbell, RP NE/NEng. Abe if we can lend them a hand during their time in
Zino, RVP NE/NEng. Neil Ross and I had a chance the service, they are more likely to be drawn to the
to sit down and meet with Benda. I hope to see the FRA as a member in the future. Having someone to
FRA working with the commander in the near future share their experiences with and receive advice from
to help provide his sailors with information about might be the thing they want and need. FRA
our advocacy and other topics that young, active-duty In Loyalty, Protection and Service,
service members really need to know about, such Chris Slawinski
as housing allowances, health care legislation, pay Chris is the national executive director of the Fleet Reserve
equality and our ability to help them navigate the Association and may be reached at: NED@FRA.org.
4 FRAtoday /// June 2021
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The Distant Early Warning Radar Line and a Navy Destroyer Escort that was stationed
Because of my Navy service, I read with interest your towards the top of the barrier. Life on the Destroyer
article on The Distant Early Warning Radar Line. Escort had to be a little boring so to break the
I was raised in Richland, Washington where my monotony the crew members played chess with
father was employed in the Manhattan Project. members of each aircraft once radio contact was
You mentioned that from 1949 to 1954, LASHUP established.
included early warning patrols conducted by Navy A blip on our radar screen was called a bogey. When
radar picket destroyer escorts and PB-1W and PO- a bogey appeared, the radar operator would calculate
1W airborne early warning aircraft. At some point the course and speed and give it to the radio operator.
following 1954, these aircraft were superseded by the Using Morse Code, the radio operator would transmit
Lockheed Warning Star WV-2 early warning aircraft the information to Barbers Point where another radio
that flew a barrier from Midway Island up to when operator would again, using Morse Code, transmit the
they had the Aleutian Islands on radar at which time information to NORAD (North American Aerospace
they would turn and return to Midway. These flights Defense Command) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
were approximately 14 hours long, initially flying at We would continue updating the information every
7,000 feet until enough fuel was burned to allow them five minutes until eventually we would receive a
to climb to 10,000 feet where they remained for the message from NORAD via Barbers Point that the
duration of the flight. bogey was, for example, identified as JAL Flight 390
I was a radar operator flying the barrier and to cease reporting.
from 1960 through 1962. My squadron was Once a year when at the top of the barrier, we
AEWBARRONPAC (Airborne Early Warning would divert to Adak, Alaska, so the pilots could
Barrier Squadron Pacific) based at Barbers Point practice touch and goes for familiarity in case we ever
Naval Air Station on Oahu. We deployed from had an emergency that would require diverting to
Barbers Point to Midway 18 days out of every month Adak. Following Adak, we flew to Kodiak where the
and while on Midway flew eight 14-hour barrier pilots would go through the same familiarity routine.
flights. There were four aircraft on the barrier 24 hours Following Kodiak, we would fly to Elmendorf Air
a day, 365 days a year. A standard crew consisted of 2 Force Base in Anchorage for a 24-hour R&R. In 1962
CIC (Combat Information Center) officers, 10 radar while at one of the Elmendorf base clubs, we ran into
operators, 2 radiomen, 2 navigators, 2 pilots, 2 flight a group of engineers who were working on the Dew
engineers and a cook. Each crew member worked 7 Line construction. They were in the testing phase
hours on and 7 hours off. Bunks were available fore and told us they could pick up our aircraft when we
and aft for sleeping. The cook prepared two meals departed Midway.
in-flight and depending on the time of flight, were There was another airborne early warning barrier
breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner or dinner and squadron based on The Azores for east coast protection.
breakfast. And, looked forward to by all the crew P.S. Past Branch 219 President John Herber was a
members, the cook would prepare hamburgers for flight engineer on my AEWBARRONPAC flight crew.
everyone just after takeoff. Best regards,
The Navigators depended on celestial navigation Rich Baker, ACW2, Branch 219
6 FRAtoday /// June 2021
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Advertising Chief ’s Quarters on a submarine) would prepare a single
I understand that publications for the fraternal simple meal. These were exceptions.
organizations depend on advertising. To that end Not shown were large stores working parties of mostly
I would challenge the FRA staff to closely review junior sailors loading groceries during a pier side or
advertiser’s submissions. To the point, on the back cover unrep stores load. Not shown were the rated cooks who
of the April 2021 FRAtoday, there is an advertisement perform the modern miracles every day that keep the
by “Stauer” stating “Sacred Stone of the Southwest is crew well fed.
on the Brink of Extinction,” and immediately to the These two pictures do not correspond to the text or
right, of that statement the Arizona Turquoise is being reality.
advertised for “only $99.” Why would you accept that Tom Clark FTCM (SS) USN (Ret.)
wording in your publication? If in fact the turquoise is Summerville, S.C., Branch 269
endangered, does it make sense to advertise get yours
now before it is gone, or if turquoise isn’t endangered, The DEW Line
making the sales a non-issue, then the advertiser is I read your article about the DEW Line with much
essentially lying to your subscribers. interest. This was a great undertaking to establish a
David Engels, ASCS, USN (Ret.) shield to protect us and Canada from Russia. However,
Organizational Change and Strategic Planning Specialist I think you need to tell the other half of the story.
Whenever there is a story written about Midway Island
FRAtoday: I do think it is a fair point that “on the brink it is usually about the Battle of Midway during WWII. I
of extinction” is a gross exaggeration intended to make think you should write about the importance of Midway
turquoise seem more valuable (It’s pretty cheap as far as and AEWBARRONPAC. (Airborne Early Warning
gemstones go; the International Gem Society calls it “a real Barrier Squadron Pacific). This was a squadron of radar
gem bargain.” The same Smithsonian Magazine article the equipped aircraft that flew a barrier between Midway
advertisement quotes also states “Despite the lack of mines in Island and Kodiak Alaska to hook into the DEW Line
North America, turquoise is readily available on the market, and provide a line for warning across the Pacific.
with more than 75 percent coming out of China.”) and we We were in a situation, that in order to provide an
could ask Stauer to change their wording, but all readers effective line of surveillance, we were required to put
should take advertiser’s material with a grain of salt and an aircraft in the air every four hours, 24 hours a day.
investigate their claims. This was quite an undertaking by the Navy, but the call
was answered and the continual task was performed
Feeding the Navy from 1957 until the later 60’s. Personally, I was in the
I found the Feeding the Navy article in the April 2021 squadron from January 1958 until September 1965. I
FRAtoday interesting and informative. Good writing. think this would be an article that would be of interest
I question two of the pictures selected to represent the to your readers. I always look forward to your magazine
efforts of those who do the food preparation day in and every month and it is always great reading.
day out for the fleet. Gregory Womeldorff, AECS, USN (Ret.)
Beginning with a leading full page showing a LCDR
and LT handling stores in what looks like gym clothes. FRAtoday: Shipmate, thank you for making the time to
And how nice the LT had gloves on to protect his send a letter. I will do some research on the topic of Midway
hands. This scene would not have happened in the Navy and AEWBARRONPAC. It sounds like a great topic and
I knew. Perhaps this is the modern Navy (my time was we are always looking for input from our readership. If you
1960-80). I have to ask if this is currently typical, and happen to come up with any other ideas, send me an email:
if so, who is doing the top-level supervision while the WilliamS@FRA.org. FRA
mid-grade officers focus on working their place in line. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views
Showing Weapons and Engineering CPOs doing of individual FRA members. They do not reflect the position of the
food prep was a curious choice. I recall on some FRA. The FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.
infrequent occasions a gang or a division (including the Submit letters to FRAtoday, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314
or to fratoday@fra.org
8 FRAtoday /// June 2021A R M Y • M A R I N E C O R P S • N AV Y • A I R F O R C E • C O A S T G U A R D • S PA C E F O R C E
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ON& OFF
News & Notes from the Fleet Reserve Association’s Legislative Team
Contacting Your Legislators is the Cornerstone of Democracy!
Throughout this session of Congress, Many of these legislative proposals
FRA members have used the FRA could have a significant impact on
Action Center to contact their Shipmates’ pocketbooks.
legislators on issues of importance Members are also urged to
John Davis to them. This user-friendly website subscribe to NewsBytes, our weekly
Director, Legislative Programs generated almost 77,000 messages electronic legislative newsletter,
to Capitol Hill in the last session of and check out the FRA Action Center
Congress (2019-2020). Shipmates located on the website (www.fra.
will need to be aware of important org) for important issues. Letting
legislative activity as the FY2022 your elected officials know you are
defense authorization and other key watching their votes on critical
bills impacting member benefits legislation is the cornerstone of a
move through the legislative process. functioning democracy.
Concurrent Receipt Legislation Introduced
FRA-supported legislation to expand disability and retirement pay for retirees
concurrent receipt has recently been whose disability ratings are below 50%
introduced by Sen. Jon Tester (Mont.). and Chapter 61 retirees with less than 20
The bill would extend eligibility for years of service.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay, In February, Bilirakis and Tester
or CRDP, to retirees with 20 or more years introduced the FRA-supported Major
of service and a disability rating of less Richard Star Act (H.R.1282, S.344),
than 50%. This bill (S.1147) is similar to which would expand concurrent receipt
the Retired Pay Restoration Act (H.R.303), to include Combat Related Special
NewsBytes is the FRA’s free weekly which was introduced by Rep. Gus Compensation beneficiaries who are
legislative update. If you would like to Bilirakis (Fla.) in January. Rep. Sanford medically retired with less than 20 years
subscribe, please email: NewsBytes@
Bishop Jr. (Ga.) has also introduced of service.
Fra.org. Include your name and contact
information in the body of the email. If the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Members are strongly urged to go to
you are a member of the FRA or LA FRA, Act (H.R.333), which is comprehensive the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to
please include your member number. concurrent receipt legislation that would contact their legislators and ask them to
also allow the simultaneous receipt of support these bills.
10 FRAtoday /// June 2021capitol hill
ON& OFF
Your Mission, Your Voice
President Releases FY2022 Budget Outline
President Joe Biden released the FY2022 budget outline to increase in the Biden administration’s request. In addition, the
Congress. The outline does not have the detail of a full budget outline indicates that active-duty service members will receive
request but does give Congress a general understanding of the full scheduled active-duty annual pay increase.
Biden’s budget priorities. The president plans to ask for $715 The outline also indicates that spending for the Department of
billion in discretionary spending for the Department of Defense Veterans Affairs will increase 8.2% over the current fiscal year.
for the next fiscal year, which would be a 1.6% increase over the The outline increases funding for the Electronic Health Record
current fiscal year. Sen. James Inhofe (Okla.), ranking member system implementation, suicide prevention (a 75% increase),
of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has recommended homelessness assistance and toxic exposure research. The
a 3-5% increase in the FY2022 defense budget. The House outline allows the VA to hire 334 additional claims processors to
Progressive Caucus has demanded that the defense budget be review claims for new Agent Orange presumptive conditions and
cut by 10%. reduce the pandemic-induced disability claims backlog.
The Pentagon has responded to a letter signed by the FRA and A more detailed budget is expected by this month. The
other members of The Military Coalition that urged the Pentagon FRA will continue to monitor the legislative process to ensure
not to include a new TRICARE fee increase in the budget. The adequate funding for both the DOD and the VA and to make
DOD response indicated that there will be no TRICARE fee sure there are no cuts to earned benefits.
FRA Discusses Health Care Issues with Capitol Hill Staff
FRA Director of Legislative Programs John Davis participated families pay for the health care coverage they receive in
in two separate off-the-record telephone conference calls retirement. The health care coverage is the primary offset
on health care issues: one with the House Armed Services provided to uniformed service members for enduring a career
Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee staff and of unique and extraordinary sacrifices that few Americans
the other with the Senate Armed Services Committee’s are willing to endure for one year, let alone 20 or 30 years.
Personnel Subcommittee staff. Some on Capitol Hill have The retiree health care coverage is an unusual and essential
argued that military retirees are using TRICARE at levels compensation package that a grateful nation provides to the
that exceed the original design of the program. Health care small fraction of the population who agree to subordinate
costs are increasing constantly, and some have argued that their personal and family lives to protecting our national
retirees, like their civilian counterparts, must help pay more interests for so many years. Health care is one of the most
for the ever-increasing cost of this benefit. important elements of military compensation and a key to
The FRA argues that comparing military and civilian retention and recruitment. Members are strongly urged to
health care fees is an “apples to oranges” comparison. It weigh in on this issue by using the FRA Action Center at
ignores the great price career military members and their www.fra.org.
Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act Introduced
At the FRA’s request, Rep. John Garamendi (Calif.) has DFAS can recoup any overpayments of retirement pay, even
introduced legislation (H.R.2214) similar to the Military Retiree those deposited electronically in a joint bank account. This
Survivor Comfort Act he sponsored during the last session of action could easily clear the account of any funds remaining,
Congress. The new bill would allow for the retention of the whether they were retirement payments or money from other
full final month’s retired pay by the surviving spouse (or other sources. Instead of withdrawing the overpayment all at once,
designated survivor) of a military retiree for a month in which the bill would allow a gradual repayment over 12 months and
the member was alive for at least 24 hours. would give the secretary of defense the option to forgive the
Surviving spouses who are unaware that Defense Finance overpayment.
and Accounting Services should be notified immediately upon Members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center at
the death of a military retiree are often surprised to learn that www.fra.org to weigh in on this issue.
FRAtoday /// June 2021 11capitol hill
ON& OFF
Your Mission, Your Voice
Bill Promotes Gender Equality in the Cost of Uniforms
Reps. Julia Brownley (Calif.), Jackie Speier (Calif.) and Elise February 2021, the GAO released the required report, which
Stefanik (N.Y.) introduced legislation (H.R.2502) that would found that across all branches of service and ranks, women in
direct the Department of Defense to ensure gender equity the military pay several times more than men in out-of-pocket
in the cost of uniforms, which would in turn ensure equal costs for uniforms, a violation of the DOD’s principle of equal
pay for all who serve in our nation’s military. The bill would pay for equal work. According to the report, in the past 10
incorporate the four legislative recommendations of a recent years, the services have made 18 changes to uniforms that
Government Accountability Office report (GAO-21-120) on the disproportionately increased out-of-pocket costs for female
parity of military uniform costs. officers. Because these disparities add up to hundreds or
The FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act directed thousands of dollars over time, women are being paid less
the GAO to analyze gender disparities in out-of-pocket than men across the military. Members can weigh in on this
uniform costs for male and female service members. In issue by going to the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org.
Independent Review Commission on Military Sexual Assault
FRA Assistant Director of Veterans Programs Noelle Huffer processes related to sexual assault. It will also review and
participated in the Independent Review Commission on assess best practices from industry, academia and other
Military Sexual Assault video conference call. The 90-day organizations.
investigation began on March 24. The IRC will focus on Individuals who have personal stories relevant to the
four priority areas: accountability, prevention, climate and IRC’s work, such as victims of sexual assault, their family
culture, and victim care and support. The commission is members or their friends, are encouraged to provide
comprised of a total of 12 members, with three members feedback to the IRC using the Military Feedback Form
in each of the four priority areas. The commission will on the DOD Safe Helpline website at https://www.
focus on evaluating military policies, programs and safehelpline.org/military-feedback.
Defense Commissary Agency Conference Call
FRA Assistant Director of Legislative Programs Theo Lawson, about the commissary benefit as early as the completion of
along with members of other organizations, attended a boot camp. The Patron Council, which originally provided
meeting with the Defense Commissary Agency, or DeCA, to guidance on the needs and wants of commissary users, was
discuss a range of issues from front-line efforts to outreach shut down due to the cost of logistics; with the onset of
programs concerning commissary benefits. William Moore, virtual meetings, the agency is looking into reinstating the
director of DeCA, presented the current state and the future council.
of the agency. He also asked for feedback from the audience The commissary, with its tax-free shopping and other
on improvements and new ideas. perks, grants users about 23.7% in savings compared to
A focus group conducted with junior enlisted service the local market; the agency is looking to increase the
members revealed a lack of knowledge about the benefits savings up to 25%. The agency is also planning to expand
of the commissary. Moore also stressed the importance the availability of their online shopping and curbside pickup
of educating certain groups of veterans about their recent options from the current 11 stores to about 200 stores by
eligibility for commissary benefits, which started in January the end of the year, with a possibility of home delivery.
2020 as part of the FY2019 NDAA. The agency believes the Veterans can find out how to gain access to
pandemic hindered the outreach program to inform eligible their commissary benefits at https://blogs.va.gov/
veterans about these benefits. VAntage/68479/veterans-need-vhic-for-in-person-
The agency plans to implement an education program commissary-military-exchange-and-mwr-access/.
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Your Mission, Your Voice
Support TRICARE Coverage for Reserve Component “Gray Area” Retirees
The FRA supports the TRICARE Fairness for National Reserve, which is an expensive premium-based plan,
Guard and Reserve Retirees Act (S.829), introduced by even if they are receiving retired pay. This legislation
Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio), and the House companion addresses this inequity by extending the TRICARE
bill (H.R.1997), introduced by Rep. Bill Johnson (Ohio), retiree health care benefit to Reserve component
which would ensure that “gray area” National Guard retirees who are receiving early retirement pay. Reserve
and Reserve retirees who qualify for retirement pay component members who have earned early retirement
before age 60 are eligible for the TRICARE retiree pay through deployment credits should receive the full
benefit. retirement package, including health care coverage.
Under current law, gray area retirees who want Members can use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.
TRICARE coverage must purchase TRICARE Retired org to weigh in on this issue.
Nomination for First Female Four-star in U.S. Coast Guard
President Joe Biden has nominated Coast Guard Vice Adm. Linda Fagan
to the role of vice commandant, which would make her the first woman
to achieve a fourth star in the U.S. Coast Guard. Fagan, the commander of
the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area of operations, would replace Adm. Charles
Ray, who has been the Coast Guard’s No. 2 officer since May 2018. The
appointment requires Senate confirmation.
Left: Vice Adm. Linda Fagan during a visit of Pacific Area command staff to the
Coast Guard Cutter POLAR STAR in dry dock. Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard
Pacific Area.
SVAC Chairman and Ranking Member Urge VA to Speed Up Agent Orange Claims Processing
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester specifically affects veterans who served offshore of
(Mont.) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (Kan.) have Vietnam between Jan. 6, 1962, and May 7, 1975. The
dispatched a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs act also applies to veterans who served in the Korean
Secretary Denis McDonough urging him to implement Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, between Jan. 1, 1967, and
the provisions of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Aug. 31, 1971. These veterans can apply for disability
Act (P.L.116-23), which will quickly provide long-overdue compensation and other benefits if they have since
benefits and care to veterans suffering from Agent developed certain conditions that are presumed to be
Orange exposure. related to exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange.
The FRA is thankful that the FY2021 National Defense Such veterans no longer need to prove that they were
Authorization Act added new presumptive conditions for exposed to herbicides.
exposure to Agent Orange herbicide, including bladder The letter was generated after an SVAC hearing on the
cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism. The FRA is human consequences of war as they pertain to military
thankful to SVAC Chairman Jon Tester for his leadership toxic exposures. At that hearing, it was testified that
on this issue. It has been estimated that this expansion a veteran living with three of the qualifying service-
will benefit 34,000 suffering veterans. The association connected conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and
also supports efforts to include hypertension in the list of ischemic heart disease, had to wait 14 months for the
presumptive ailments. VA to take action on his claim. The FRA will continue to
The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act monitor the claims backlog at the VA.
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Your Mission, Your Voice
Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Help Military Survivors
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester die from service-related injuries or diseases — has been
(Mont.) and Sen. John Boozman (Ark.) have introduced minimally adjusted since its establishment in 1993. DIC
legislation to adjust monthly benefits for family members payments, which are currently 43% of retiree benefits, lag
and survivors of service members who have lost their lives behind other programs’ payments by 12%.
in service to our country. Under current law, the DIC benefits are restricted for
The Caring for Survivors Act (S.976) seeks to increase survivors if the veteran was disabled for less than 10 years
payments for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, before his or her death. This legislation would also reduce
or DIC, to be in line with the payments made to surviving the time frame during which veterans need to be rated
spouses of other federal employees (55% of retiree pay). totally disabled from 10 to five years, which would extend
The rate of compensation paid to survivors of service eligibility to more survivors. Members can weigh in on this
members who die in the line of duty — or veterans who issue by going to the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org.
Legislation Asks for Study of Involuntary Discharges of Women
Rep. Julia Brownley (Calif.) has introduced legislation who became pregnant, regardless of whether the pregnancy
(H.R.2385) that would require the Government Accountability was planned, unplanned or the result of sexual violence.
Office to study the involuntary discharges of women from Further, the federal government did not provide separation
the armed forces between 1951 and 1976. The study would benefits, counseling or assistance to these women who
identify any irregularities in discharges that may have left were involuntarily discharged. In 1976, the policy was
these women without the veterans benefits that they rescinded after it was ruled unconstitutional by a federal
earned. The study would also make recommendations for court.
restoring those benefits. This bill would require the GAO to conduct a study of
The study is being requested because President Truman women who were involuntarily discharged from the armed
in 1951 signed Executive Order 10240, which granted forces due to pregnancy or parenthood from 1951 to 1976
the armed forces the authority to involuntarily discharge to identify the scope of the policy’s impact, including any
a woman if she became pregnant, gave birth to a child, disproportionate impact on women of certain races and
adopted a child or became a stepparent. In response, the ethnicities. Members can weigh in on this issue by going to
armed forces systematically discharged thousands of women the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org.
Support Improving VA Homelessness Programs
The FRA supports the Improving Housing Outcomes for been achieved. The Department of Housing and Urban
Veterans Act (S.612, H.R.876), sponsored by Sen. Rob Development and the VA have a wide range of programs
Portman (Ohio) and Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio). The that prevent and end homelessness among veterans,
act would provide needed care for veterans who are including health care, housing, job training and education
experiencing homelessness. The bill would implement solutions. According to a January 2018 VA fact sheet, VA,
the May 2020 recommendations of a Government Department of Labor and HUD programs for homeless
Accountability Office report, which found shortcomings veterans have reduced veteran homelessness by nearly
in the VA’s programs that support veterans experiencing 50% since 2010. The FRA wants the VA and other
homelessness in collaboration with local partners and government agencies to invest in efforts to ensure that
other federal agencies. veteran homelessness is rare, brief and nonrecurring.
In 2010, the VA established a goal of eliminating Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center at
veteran homelessness by 2015. That goal has not www.fra.org to weigh in on this issue.
16 FRAtoday /// June 2021FREE
K-
S
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0 Da
6
L
TRIAcapitol hill
ON& OFF
Your Mission, Your Voice
New DOD Discharge Appeal Review Board
The Department of Defense recently announced a new records from the case file of a service branch’s board for
discharge characterization upgrade board of appeals for correction of military or naval records will be reviewed.
service members with separation dates on or after Dec. Any new evidence must first be submitted with a
20, 2019. This new board, titled the Discharge Appeal reconsideration request to a service branch’s board for
Review Board, will provide a final review of discharge correction of military or naval records. Once a decision
or dismissal characterization upgrade requests when has been received from that board, the new evidence may
petitioners have exhausted all available administrative be considered by the DARB. The DARB is the final level
remedies through their service branch’s discharge review of administrative review provided by the DOD.
board and board for correction of military or naval records. Individuals who believe their discharge or dismissal
Established by Congress through the FY2020 National was unjust, erroneous or deserving of an upgrade are
Defense Authorization Act, the DARB is a document encouraged to apply for review. To learn more about the
review board with no requirement for personal DARB and how to apply for review, visit the Air Force
appearances. If a service member is deceased or Review Board Agency Portal located at https://afrba-
incapacitated, a legal representative, surviving spouse portal.cce.af.mil.
or next of kin may apply on his or her behalf. Only FRA
93rd FRA & 88th LA FRA
2021 National Conventions
For more information:
https://www.fra.org/convention
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20 FRAtoday /// June 2021FEATURE
The Battle
of Midway
Playing the Odds
By Antonya Salvucci
A
dm. Isoroku Yamamoto, commanding esteemed in their respective navies, would soon
the Imperial Japanese Navy, hypothesized bring their strategic and leadership skills to bear
in 1941 that Japan would reign over the as the IJN eyed Midway Atoll as its next target.
Pacific Theater for a span of 6 months if the U.S. The Battle of Midway would serve as a catalyst for
were taunted into battle. The stopwatch engaged on American vindication and starkly shift the winds of
Dec. 7, 1941, when he ordered an assault on Pearl WWII in favor of the U.S.
Harbor, luring the U.S. into the murk of World War
II. With the faith of an emperor behind him and Finding the Corner Pieces
his fleet, Yamamoto imparted suffering and turmoil Designated in 1940, Station Hypo was a subset
across the Pacific islands and invoked the fear of a of the Navy pledged to decrypting enemy
possible invasion of the American West Coast. telecommunications and trapped the Imperial
Fit for the task of commanding the American Japanese Navy in their own code, all from a
Pacific Fleet, Adm. Chester W. Nimitz understood basement setting in Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor Navy
the stark and unsettling differences between his Yard. As described in Ian Toll’s book “The Pacific
Japanese enemy’s military capabilities and those of Crucible,” “the dungeon” served as a command
his own forces. Marked by a steady natural sense of center for receiving intelligence and maintaining
calm leadership, he undoubtedly inspired the men extensive records as new phrases and code names
he directed to forge an almost indistinguishable trickled in. Navy Cmdr. Joseph Rochefort, who
path forward. Yamamoto and Nimitz, both highly oversaw Station Hypo, feverishly worked along
FRAtoday /// June 2021 21You can also read
